08/02/2026
*Zim Open Cadets and Youth Championships dates named*
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation is thrilled to announce the upcoming Zimbabwe Open Cadets and Youth Chess Championships 2026, set to take place from 20-22 February 2026 at the prestigious Dominican Convent High School in Harare.
This tournament is a significant event on the chess calendar, attracting young talents from
across the nation.
In line with its commitment to fostering chess in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation has been intensifying efforts to increase the number of tournaments and programs specifically targeted towards junior players of school-going age.
This initiative aims to ensure that the country cultivates a rich pool of chess talent for the future. School children serve as excellent ambassadors for the game, as they can introduce and teach chess to their peers more effectively than adults, helping to spread the love for chess rapidly within their communities.
The tournament promises to deliver fireworks as participants from all provinces and corners of Zimbabwe collide for honours in this national competition, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for chess in the country.
Event Details:
Location: Dominican Convent High School, Harare
Date: 20-22 February 2026
*Sections:*
Open Section
Girlโs Section
Age Categories: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 (totalling 12 sections)
Participants: Each section will have a maximum of 100 participants.
Format: The competition will be a 9 Rounds Swiss Format.
Time Control: 45 Minutes per player with a 30 seconds increment from move 1.
*Purpose:*
The championships will serve as a qualifier for several international tournaments,
including:
Africa Youth Chess Championships in May 2026, Uganda FIDE Cadet World Chess Championships in November 2026, Batumi, Georgia.
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships in June 2026, Italy
Eligibility:
Players born on or after the following dates are eligible to register for the tournament:
Under 18: 1 January 2008
Under 16: 1 January 2010
Under 14: 1 January 2012
Under 12: 1 January 2014
Under 10: 1 January 2016
Under 8: 1 January 2018
*Registration Information:*
Registration Fee:
US$15.00 for affiliates
US$30.00 for non-affiliates
Players must register with the ZCF office by Monday, 16 February 2026, at 1600hrs to ensure appropriate tournament conditions.
Registration will be on a first come, first served basis for the available spots.
Players may be asked to produce a certified copy of their birth certificate or passport copy at any time during the event.
After the registration deadline, the ZCF reserves the right to refuse or decline late registrations. If spots are available, late registration will incur a fee of US$40.00.
*Call to Action:*
*The President of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, Todd Mapingire, encourages all eligible cadet and youth players to register for this exciting opportunity. โThis tournament not only provides a platform for young players to showcase their talents but also serves as a crucial stepping stone towards international competition.*
* It presents a unique opportunity for young players to earn the right to represent Zimbabwe on prestigious regional, continental, and international stages, while simultaneously exploring the beauty of the world as they travel to other countries.โ*
Accommodation:
Accommodation shall be offered at VERITAS Cottages with the following rates:
Bed with linen: US$20.00 per night
Bed without linen: US$15.00 per night
Dinner: US$10.00
Participants who require accommodation should book well in advance.
Sports and Recreation Commission Zimbabwe African Chess Confederation- Confรฉdรฉration Africaine des Echecs FIDE - International Chess Federation
